The cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde were built between 600 and 1300 AD and are some of the best-preserved examples of Ancestral Pueblo architecture in the United States. These dwellings were built into the natural sandstone cliffs and provided shelter for the Pueblo people, who farmed the surrounding areas.
Visitors to Mesa Verde National Park can explore the ancient cliff dwellings and learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, camping sites, and scenic drives. The park is open year-round, although some facilities are closed during the winter months.
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a significant archaeological site in North America. It is an important destination for history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Mesa Verde National Park History
The people who lived in Mesa Verde built their homes and communities from sandstone, timber, and mud. They were skilled farmers, growing crops such as corn, beans, and squash on the mesa tops. They also hunted, gathered wild plants, and raised turkeys for food.
By the late 1190s, the Ancestral Pueblo people began building cliff dwellings, which provided shelter and protection from the elements and potential enemies. These cliff dwellings were built into the natural recesses and caves of the canyon walls, and many featured impressive architectural details such as stone towers and kivas, or ceremonial chambers.
In the late 1200s, the Ancestral Pueblo people began to leave the area, and by the early 1300s, the region was abandoned. Archaeologists have debated the reasons for the departure, with theories ranging from drought and resource depletion to social and political upheaval.
In the late 1800s, the area was rediscovered by Europeans, and the first archaeological excavations were conducted. Mesa Verde National Park was established in 1906 to preserve and protect the archaeological sites and natural beauty of the area.
Today, Mesa Verde National Park is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts, and it continues to provide insights into the lives and cultures of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Mesa Verde Cliff Palace
Cliff Palace is estimated to have been built in the late 1190s and early 1200s. The dwelling is made up of more than 150 rooms, including living quarters, storage rooms, and kivas, or ceremonial chambers.
The structure was built into a natural recess in the sandstone cliff, and the walls were constructed from sandstone blocks held together with mud mortar. The roof was made of wooden beams covered with a layer of adobe plaster.
To access the Cliff Palace, visitors must take a ranger-guided tour, which lasts approximately one hour. The tour involves climbing several ladders and walking along narrow passages, so it is recommended for those who are physically able.
Cliff Palace is considered one of the highlights of Mesa Verde National Park and is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people who built it more than 800 years ago.
Mesa Verde Visitor Center
The center offers a variety of exhibits and displays that provide insight into the history, culture, and natural environment of Mesa Verde. There are also several orientation films and ranger-led programs available that provide an introduction to the park and its attractions.
The center is also home to a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts, as well as a café that serves snacks, drinks, and light meals.
One of the key services provided by the center is information about the park’s tour options. Several of the park’s most popular attractions, including the Cliff Palace and Balcony House, can only be accessed through guided tours. The center provides information about tour schedules, availability, and reservations.
In addition, the center provides information about hiking trails, camping options, and other recreational activities available in the park. The staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions about the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna.
The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is a valuable resource for visitors to the park and is an essential stop for anyone planning a trip to Mesa Verde National Park.
Mesa Verde Hiking Trails
Spruce Tree House Trail: This trail is a self-guided tour of one of the park’s most well-preserved cliff dwellings. The trail is a half-mile round trip and features interpretive signs and exhibits along the way.
Petroglyph Point Trail: This trail is a 2.4-mile round trip and features ancient petroglyphs, or rock carvings, as well as scenic views of the park.
Knife Edge Trail: This trail is a 2.2-mile round trip and offers stunning views of the surrounding canyons and mesas. The trail is steep and challenging, with narrow paths and drop-offs.
Far View Sites Trail: This trail is a 1.2-mile round trip and features a series of archaeological sites that offer insight into the daily life of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Oak Tree House Trail: This trail is a half-mile round trip and offers views of the park’s largest kiva, or ceremonial chamber, as well as a reconstructed pit house.
It’s important to note that some of the park’s attractions, such as the Cliff Palace and Balcony House, can only be accessed through guided tours. It’s recommended that visitors check with the park’s visitor center for more information about tour schedules and availability. Also, hikers should be prepared for the park’s high elevation and varying weather conditions.
Mesa Verde National Park Camping
Morefield Campground: Morefield Campground is located four miles inside the park’s entrance and offers 267 campsites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet long. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a camp store, and a gas station. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
Far View Campground: Far View Campground is located near the park’s Far View Visitor Center and offers 150 campsites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet long. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October and offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, a camp store, and a free shuttle service to the visitor center. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
Both campgrounds offer a peaceful and scenic setting for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Mesa Verde National Park. It’s important to note that campers should be prepared for the park’s high elevation and varying weather conditions. Visitors should be aware of the park’s wildlife and take precautions to keep food and other items secure from bears and other animals.
